Friendsetter

Someone popular who acknowledges a little known person as a friend of theirs in public, thereby starting a trend of other popular people wanting to be and becoming the friend of that person.

Bollywood star Jahnavi Kapoor in Koffee With Karan became the friendsetter for Orry.

by HarshSnehanshu March 3, 2024

friendpotism

nepotism but you get the job because you’re friends with someone who already works there

you: Fred was less qualified for the job, but got it through knowing someone who worked there.

me: sounds like friendpotism

by biggestdawg September 25, 2025